Relighting a Cigar Properly | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

Lighting a cigar correctly ensures that one gets the best possible flavor from their stogie. This process requires a bit of practice, however, and it is inevitable that novice cigar smokers will get it wrong a few times. One can correct a bad light with a bit of work and, oftentimes, a bad light can be remedied without compromising the flavor of the cigar in any regard. The right lighter is oftentimes the key.

To fix an improper light, the first task is usually to even out the ember. The last thing one wants out of a fine cigar is an uneven burn. To correct an improper light where part of the cigar is burning but the rest isn't, simply hold the lighter to the unlit portion for a second without puffing. Alternately, one may blow on the foot of the cigar to even out the ember and to provide a proper burn.

While some purists prefer to use cedar strips to light their cigars, there are many fine butane lighters on the market that are specifically manufactured to light a stogie. They generally feature a wider flame area which helps to provide a more even light. More expensive models, such as cigar cutter lighters, are provided with tools attached that eliminate the necessity to carry several implements around.

After stubbing out the cigar, repeat the entire process starting with the toasting. To toast the tobacco, hold the cigar slightly above the lighter flame until it reaches an even warmth. After this is been done, one lights the cigar by holding the flame slightly below the wrapper and puffing the flame into the tobacco. Because the cigar has been stubbed out and was never lit correctly in the first place, the toasting process must be repeated to ensure proper burn. Without doing so, the cigar will burn unevenly resulting in a poor-quality smoke.

Cigars can be lit with liquid-fuel lighters but this leaves a chemical taste. This taste will be intensified by relighting a cigar to make up for a bad burn. Butane lighters can provide a flavor-free light no matter how long it is held to the tobacco but one must be certain not to overheat the tobacco when relighting it. This will result in a sharp, unpleasant taste. Getting the perfect light takes time and practice but is part of the art of smoking cigars.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including windproof lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring tips on how to repair a lighter.